As the article (via @Law360) points out, Ex-Massey Exec Gets 42 Months In Mine Blast Case this Massey mining manager pleaded to “pre-notifying” about MSHA inspections (and conspiracy pertaining thereto). It’s interesting that, in his plea colloquy, he was was apparently careful and narrow, almost ascribing a business-culture source for the conduct: “I’m sorry for what I’ve done — pre-notifying about mine inspections,” Hughart said at his sentencing, according to the Associated Press. “I grew up that way. I accepted it as common practice. I know better now, and I apologize.” That kind of approach needs to be handled gingerly, though. The larger case landscape is important for sentencing considerations…

Don’t argue with your spouse on the edge of a cliff. If you do, your case (or that of your spouse) may end up like this couple: Newlywed wife charged with pushing husband off cliff in Glacier National Park. This case is a federal case because it occurred in a national park. And, it’s homicide, not business crime. But, as the article (via @WSJ) — Accused Montana Newlywed Faces a Wide Range of Punishment — and Sentencing Law and Policy (Professor Berman) point out, it’s interesting because it shows the potential discretion that federal judges have in sentencing. On the other hand, a substantial majority of the federal bench came of professional…

The ABA White-Collar Crime Committee often produces good materials, and of course it hosts the annual Institute on White-Collar Crime. Here is the most recent ABA White-Collar Crime Committee Newsletter.